More on Mantras - Involving your Partner

Selecting a mantra - or self-affirmation - that helps you to play your best under current circumstances isn't so difficult.

Sometimes I shorten it to one or two words, like when my serve is off; just before my toss, I say to myself, “great serve” or “great toss.” By the same token, if my partner’s serve or return-of-serve is off; as she’s walking to the service line, I’ll say to her, “great serve” or “great return” – just to plant that seed in her mind! It’s so easy and so hopeful. This way, win or lose, I haven’t been peppering myself or my partner with negative messages. We can still feel good about the game – and each other. After all, it is only a game – not a matter of life or death.

By the way. When changing sides, have you ever heard an opponent say something like this; “I’m just having a bad day?” If this is a team match and you want that trend to continue, never disagree. This little secret is between you and me. For the sake of your team, of course!

On the other hand, if your partner says the same thing, reply something like this; “that was before; this is now. Things change! I have faith in you. We have them now.” Remember – first person, present tense, positive language.

Happy Hitting! And feel free to pass this message on or comment.

Enjoyment II - Using Mantras on the Court

In meditation, a mantra is a short phrase repeated over and over to oneself; it's a tool for achieving a meditative state. For our purposes, a mantra is a short affirmation in first person, present tense, positive language. E.g: I see hummingbirds, I hear hummingbirds, I know hummingbirds.

Here’s an example of how I use mantras in tennis. During tournaments, my game will often become tentative - a response fueled by fear of losing. Subsequently, instead of playing from a place of strength my shots may become defensive and weak. I can often “scrap” my way through it – but it isn’t pretty, fluid or fun. So...

If I know I have a tough match coming up and my confidence is faltering, my mantra is,

“I am calm and courageous.” 

I repeat this phrase over and over in mental preparation for the competition and then, during match-play – until I really am calm and courageous; then I can go with the flow and play my normal (calm and courageous)game. You see, it is believed that the brain doesn’t register negatives, such as - "I'm not going to play tentatively." The brain hears "I'm going to play tentatively." Eek. That’s why I  cringe when I hear my partner say something like, “I’m not going to double-fault again.” Or “we’re not going to lose this match.” The brain doesn’t hear the “not.” Rather, it hears “I’m going to double-fault again” or “we’re going to lose this match.” Ouch.

So figure out how you want to play; instruct yourself to do so in first person, present tense and remember... Remain in the positive or your brain may, indeed, cause you to double-fault.

Stay tuned for more examples of mantra-use in tennis in my next post. In the meantime, enjoy.

And if you simply can't wait, just click on http://www.amazon.com/The-Dharma-Tennis-Judi-Beck-ebook/dp/B00E0QFLA4/ref=sr_1_1ie=UTF8&qid=1389701155&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dharma+of+tennis 
and download the entire Dharma of Tennis pamphlet in one setting for a measly $1.69.

Enjoyment I - Introducing Mantras

We've completed the first three principles of The Dharma of Tennis: Be There, Breathe and Begin Anew. Those might be called the inner principles because they involve only you. We're half way through! The next three principles might be called the outer principles because they are more practical in nature - and they involve the other players - your partners and opponents. They are: Enjoy, Entrain and Namaste. You're not alone, after all... Here goes.

Enjoyment

Yoga is a lovely and apt preparation for meditation. Upon completion of one’s practice, it’s difficult not to sit or lie down in repose – not so much because you’re tired, but rather because you’re at peace. If you have followed your breath and synchronized it with your movements for an hour or so, you have let go: of worries, tensions, anxiety and cares. How do I know? Because following your breath – in other words, maintaining awareness of each inhalation and exhalation – keeps you present naturally and without effort. When this is combined with movement designed to cleanse, stimulate and nourish the body, it’s a formula for well-being. In this present moment – absent past regrets and future fears – all is well.

All is well.

It’s like being in the “tennis zone” where concentration is unfettered and shot-making is effortless. Way outside of the zone, when nothing is going right, is where we get into trouble and the sport that we play for fun, fitness and social interaction becomes a holy aggravation.  Grrrrr! This is where a mantra, which is repeated during Kundalini (and other) meditations, can come in very handy.

What is a mantra? Stay tuned for my next post for a definition and a formula for creating your own. Mantras help you to maintain your positive outlook throughout the entire match.

But! If you simply can't wait, just download the entire Dharma of Tennis document RIGHT NOW. Just click http://www.amazon.com/The-Dharma-Tennis-Judi-Beck-ebook/dp/B00E0QFLA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389701155&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dharma+of+tennis.